(1) Purdue vs. (11) NC State: Betting Tips, Prediction, and Betting Odds

Purdue continued their revenge tour with a 72-66 win over Tennessee in the Elite Eight. Meanwhile, NC State notched yet another upset victory against Duke to keep their incredible run alive. This sets up for a meeting of two teams who will look to get another historic win for their programs to punch their ticket to the National Championship.

Zach Edey put Purdue on his back again in the Elite Eight with 40 points and 16 rebounds. It’s no secret that getting the ball to Edey is almost their entire gameplan. The potential two time Player of the Year is the only Boilermaker to score more than 20 points in a game in this tournament. Purdue does have shooters, though, who they can rely on if Edey is, somehow, off his game. Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and Mason Gillis are all shooting over 40% from deep this season. The Boilermakers have been one of the most complete teams the entire season, and will look to keep that momentum going to the National Championship.

NC State has probably been the best story of the tournament. The Wolfpack have now won 9 straight games and certainly have “Team of Destiny” vibes. America’s Sweetheart, DJ Burns, probably played the game of his life against Duke. The big man put up 29 points and had a very impressive jump shot. DJ Horn had a nice game too, going for 20 points and shot 2-6 from deep. This team has a few big men they can rotate to guard Edey and look to avoid foul trouble. Burns, Mohamed Diarra, and Ben Middlebrooks will be tasked with guarding the 7’ 4” giant. While none of them are as big as Edey, few are, they’re physicality could get him off his game. The Wolfpack are looking to advance to the Championship game for the first time since 1983.

NC State +9.5 is available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.

Purdue is definitely the better team here, but 9.5 feels like too big a number. Burns and Diarra have an ability to shoot from outside the paint and move Edey away from the basket. Burns is also a great facilitator for a player of his size, so he could get the ball to cutters down low if he moves Edey out of the paint. NC State has been a more complete team in this tournament. Purdue could have to rely on guys who haven’t shot the ball a ton if Edey isn’t having a dominant game.

The key for the Wolfpack will be to avoid foul trouble. That could be difficult depending on the kind of whistles Edey gets. If they limit Purdue’s trips to the line, they should be able to keep this game close. Purdue should win this one, but NC State has the guys to keep it within single digits.

Over 145.5 Total Points is available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.

Purdue struggled to shoot the deep ball on Sunday, but that was against a great Tennessee defense. NC State, on the other hand, does not have the same defense as the Volunteers. The Wolfpack are 155th in the country in defending the perimeter. The Pack’s offense, though, is capable of getting hot in a hurry. They may not have the three point shooters the Boilermakers have, but they can still fill up the basket. The Wolfpack trailed Duke 27-21 at the half on Sunday, then ignited for 55 points in the second half. Asking both teams to score in the mid 70’s is not a tall task. NC State has scored 76 in three of four in the tournament, while Purdue is averaging 84 ppg in the last four. This should be a fun, back and forth contest. Take the over here.

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